Most popular house-friendly dogs

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Most popular house-friendly dogs

Sometimes, it’s not enough to want a dog. Even with adequate funds, a pet sitter and vet at the ready, and a willingness to adjust your schedule for 6 a.m. walks, the decision on whether to bring a dog home often comes down to how much space you have. Many dogs require open areas to run around in and play, making homes with backyards very attractive options. If a dog's a barker, his or her human is liable to at least try finding a place to live without too many neighbors around who might complain. Luckily for everyone else, there are a good amount of dog breeds that are perfectly suited for smaller homes, indoor playtimes, and leashed lifestyles.

Stacker combed through the American Kennel Club’s directory of more than 192 registered breeds, analyzing the list based on the following criteria to identify breeds that make for the best homebodies:

• Removed all breeds classified as “very active”
• Removed breeds classified as having “frequent shedding” or “lots of shedding” while including breeds that only need occasional grooming
• Chose breeds that classified as "quiet" or "barks when necessary"
• Chose breeds that are 25 inches or less when fully grown

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, the resulting list includes 43 dog breeds ranked by 2018 popularity that will likely be quite comfortable with a relaxed, in-home lifestyle.

You may also like: Most popular dog breeds in America

Dora Zett // Shutterstock

#43. Cesky terrier

- Full-grown height: 1013 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1424 pounds
- Traits: Tenacious, trainable

Though somewhat active, the Ceskies (derived from the word “Czech”) are playful, curious little dogs who are more easily trained than your average terrier.

Radomir Rezny // Shutterstock

#42. Sussex spaniel

- Full-grown height: 1315 inches
- Full-grown weight: 3545 pounds
- Traits: Friendly

Though not tall, Sussex spaniels are strong, low-built dogs that are cheerful (in the classic spaniel way), but not as active as others in the breed group. Walking around a bit is enough to keep a Sussex happy.

Lourdes Photography // Shutterstock

#41. Skye terrier

- Full-grown height: 10 inches (male), 9.5 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3545 pounds (male), slightly less for females
- Traits: Dignified, calm, stubborn, loyal, devoted

The famously loyal and calm Skye terriers are lovely couch companions who are not particularly active, but do benefit from a long, leisurely walk.

Brijo // Shutterstock

#40. Dandie Dinmont terrier

- Full-grown height: 811 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1824 pounds
- Traits: Independent, proud, smart, affectionate, bold, tenacious

These pups may be on the smaller side, but they act like big dogs—not in that they’re dominant or aggressive, but that they are proud and confident. At home, they’re affectionate and only require a few good walks to stay satisfied.

DejaVuDesigns // Shutterstock

#39. Glen Of Imaal terrier

- Full-grown height: 1214 inches
- Full-grown weight: 3240 pounds
- Traits: Bold, spirited

These scruffy, cute terriers aren’t pretentious or fancy looking. These dogs have a purpose-driven history as working farm dogs, providing them a curious, exploratory nature that is not too excitable but refreshingly spirited.

Utekhina Anna // Shutterstock

#38. Sealyham terrier

- Full-grown height: 10.5 inches
- Full-grown weight: 2324 pounds (male), slightly less for females
- Traits: Alert, outgoing, tempered

The Sealyham terrier is what the AKC describes as a “substantial small dog” with the build of an NFL running back (“powerful, built low to the ground”), but still is a tempered, docile pet to keep at home.

Erkki Makkonen // Shutterstock

#37. Finnish Lapphund

- Full-grown height: 1821 inches (male), 1619 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3353 pounds
- Traits: Reserved, calm, friendly, courageous

These agile Nordic dogs are not outgoing around strangers, but are friendly and eager to please at home.

mjt // Shutterstock

#36. Field spaniel

- Full-grown height: 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3550 pounds
- Traits: Sweet, fun, loving, smart

Somewhat larger than your average cocker spaniel, the field spaniel stands about 1718 inches at the shoulder. They’re known for being smart, mild-tempered companions who love to please their humans.

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#35. Affenpinscher

- Full-grown height: 911.5 inches
- Full-grown weight: 710 pounds
- Traits: Loyal, curious, fearless

These funny-looking “ape terriers,” as some have called them, are confident, curious, and playful. Their notoriously silly nature will keep you smiling around the house.

Lenkada // Shutterstock

#34. Clumber spaniel

- Full-grown height: 1820 inches (male), 1719 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 7085 pounds (male), 5570 pounds (female)
- Traits: Mellow, dignified

These stocky, small-yet-heavy dogs are mellow and proud, but have their silly moments. Clumbers are great indoors, but also love a good long walk, and in many cases, even a swim.

Grisha Bruev // Shutterstock

#33. Xoloitzcuintli (toy, mini, standard)

- Full-grown height: 814 inches (toy), 1423 inches (miniature), 18-23 inches (standard)
- Full-grown weight: 1015 pounds (toy), 1530 pounds (miniature), 30-55 pounds (standard)
- Traits: Loyal, alert, calm, trainable, watchdog

One of the oldest breeds, Xoloitzcuintli dogs were historically thought to ward off evil spirits and intruders at home. Today, they make great watchdogs; they’re alert, but stay calm as they protect their domains.

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#32. American hairless terrier

- Full-grown height: 1216 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1216 pounds
- Traits: Inquisitive, playful

Those allergic to dogs love the American hairless terrier, whose lack of coat and affectionate nature make it a wonderful, fur-free companion. They’re good watchdogs, but also get along with other pets—cats included.

Mariia Kenig // Shutterstock

#31. English toy spaniel

- Full-grown height: 910 inches
- Full-grown weight: 814 pounds
- Traits: Affectionate, alert

This snub-nosed pup with its famous silky coat is curious and well-behaved, almost never barks, and is a happy presence around the house.

Radomir Rezny // Shutterstock

#30. Manchester terrier (standard, toy)

- Full-grown height: 1516 inches (standard), 1012 inches (toy)
- Full-grown weight: 1222 pounds (standard), under 12 pounds (toy)
- Traits: Spirited, bright, loyal, independent

Manchester terriers (toy or standard) are fiercely loyal and smart, and though they are fine hanging out indoors, their athleticism will truly shine when taken outside. They’re fast and can enjoy themselves when they are given room to run.

Liliya Kulianionak // Shutterstock

#29. Kerry blue terrier

- Full-grown height: 1819.5 inches (male), 17.519 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3340 pounds (male), slightly less for females
- Traits: Smart, alert, oriented

Naturally inclined to explore, the Kerry blue terrier is vivacious, smart, and lively. They love to romp around the house and are allergy-friendly because they rarely shed.

Radomir Rezny // Shutterstock

#28. Welsh terrier

- Full-grown height: 15 inches (male), proportionally smaller (female)
- Full-grown weight: 20 pounds, proportionally smaller (female)
- Traits: Alert, spirited

Larger than your average terrier (but smaller than the Airedale), Welsh terriers are calmer than many in the terrier family, but still have an upbeat personality. They’re great with children and can interact with other dogs under moderate supervision.

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#27. Japanese Chin

- Full-grown height: 811 inches
- Full-grown weight: 711 pounds
- Traits: Charming, loving, reserved

This intelligent breed lives for its companions, but like a true aristocrat, is reserved until it gets to know you. Japanese Chins are almost cat-like with their loving yet coy personalities.

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#26. Brussels Griffon

- Full-grown height: 710 inches
- Full-grown weight: 810 pounds
- Traits: Alert, curious, loyal

Much like a terrier, the smart Brussels Griffon is a happy pup that can be an obedient, trainable watchdog for your home. This breed is also known for its almost human-like expressions.

Dmitry Guskov // Wikimedia Commons

#25. Norwegian elkhound

- Full-grown height: 20.5 inches (male), 19.5 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 55 pounds (male), 48 pounds (female)
- Traits: Confident, dignified, friendly

The Norwegian elkhound has hunting in its DNA, so while these dependable dogs are happy to keep you company at home, they thrive on a bit of exercise when taken outside. These dogs are also known to carry themselves in a dignified manner, but are friendly nonetheless.

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#24. Keeshond

- Full-grown height: 18 inches (male), 17 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3545 pounds
- Traits: Outgoing, lively, friendly

Sharing similar traits to other northern breeds, the Keeshond is a fuzzy, sturdy companion who is welcoming to anyone it meets, and even enjoys making new friends.

Viktoriia Kotliarchuk // Shutterstock

#23. Pekingese

- Full-grown height: 69 inches
- Full-grown weight: up to 14 pounds
- Traits: Affectionate, loyal

Historically owned by Chinese royalty (the name “Pekingese” derived from “Peking,” or the ancient name of Beijing), Pekingese conduct themselves regally, but are happy to be around their owners. They’re not particularly active, so they’re okay to go on a few walks and play indoors.

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#22. Coton de Tulear

- Full-grown height: 1011 inches (male), 910 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 915 pounds (male), 813 pounds (female)
- Traits: Bright, happy, charming, loved

These French dogs live for giving and receiving affection from their owners, and will be happy simply following you around your home.

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#21. Staffordshire bull terrier

- Full-grown height: 1416 inches
- Full-grown weight: 2838 pounds (male), 2434 pounds (female)
- Traits: Brave, tenacious, stubborn, gentle, playful, clever

These dogs are not particularly tall, but pack a lot of muscle into a small package. Staffies can be stubborn, but are playful and intelligent. Although they enjoy their time inside, they need to run around and get exercise when it’s time for a walk.

Alexandra Morrison Photo // Shutterstock

#20. Chinese crested

- Full-grown height: 1113 inches
- Full-grown weight: 812 pounds
- Traits: Lively, alert, affectionate

Chinese crested are people pleasers who are almost cat-like in their homebody tendencies. If not curled up on an armrest or chair, they get their exercise following their owners around the apartment.

Khomiak // Shutterstock

#19. Chow chow

- Full-grown height: 1720 inches
- Full-grown weight: 4570 pounds
- Traits: Dignified, bright, aloof

These little lions have a mostly serious demeanor, but are bright, loving, and not super active. They’re not big barkers and are just fine living in small spaces.

Elena Vasilchenko // Shutterstock

#18. Italian greyhound

- Full-grown height: 1315 inches
- Full-grown weight: 714 pounds
- Traits: Alert, playful, affectionate

Not as tall as their racetrack relatives, Italian greyhounds are good companions who easily adapt to city life. They are dainty and affectionate.

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#17. Lhasa Apso

- Full-grown height: 1011 inches (male), slightly smaller for females
- Full-grown weight: 1218 pounds
- Traits: Smart, confident, aloof

Known for its long, luscious coat, the Lhasa Apso has a balanced temperament that mixes humor and aloofness. Usually this breed is fun loving around the house, but more careful around strangers.

Kozub Vasyl // Shutterstock

#16. Chinese Shar-Pei

- Full-grown height: 1820 inches
- Full-grown weight: 4560 pounds
- Traits: Devoted, loved

The Chinese Shar-Pei doesn’t need a busy lifestyle—this breed is content with a walk and a good belly scratch. Shar-Peis are devoted to their owners, but take on a dignified and aloof air when around new people.

tommaso lizzul // Shutterstock

#15. Whippet

- Full-grown height: 1922 inches (male), 1821 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 2540 pounds
- Traits: Calm, affectionate, playful

Many would think that the whippet wouldn’t be suited for a stay-at-home lifestyle, as it can sprint up to 35 miles per hour—the fastest domesticated animal of its height. But after a good walk or energy-filled moment outside, this pup is quiet and lazy when it gets back home.

eAlisa // Shutterstock

#14. Scottish terrier

- Full-grown height: 10 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1922 pounds (male), 1821 pounds (female)
- Traits: Independent, confident, shy, spirited, dignified

Scotties are a dignified, confident breed who aren’t shy and love to explore. They are loyal and spirited, however, and are great with children.

Vadim Petrakov // Shutterstock

#13. Soft-coated Wheaten terrier

- Full-grown height: 1819 inches (male), 1718 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3540 pounds (male), 3035 pounds (female)
- Traits: Happy, friendly, devoted, stubborn

Unlike other wiry terriers, the soft-coated Wheaten terriers are known for their silky coat. They are joyful and friendly, and love being around families—although they’re stubborn as well, like many terriers. They exhibit a special jumping habit when they’re especially happy (“the Wheaten greeting”).

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#12. Basset hound

- Full-grown height: 1215 inches (male), 1114 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 40-65 pounds
- Traits: Patient, stubborn, charming

Above all else, basset hounds are patient—around children and strangers alike. They are stubborn but charming, easy to train, and somewhat low-energy.

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#11. Maltese

- Full-grown height: 810 inches
- Full-grown weight: 68 pounds
- Traits: Gentle, playful, affectionate, fearless, charming

These toy dogs are charming and elegant—and have been for over three millennia. They’re classic lap dogs, but still like to play outside when on a walk.

Fusekle // Shutterstock

#10. Border collie

- Full-grown height: 1922 inches (male), 1821 inches (female)
- Full-grown weight: 3045 pounds (male), 2742 pounds (female)
- Traits: Smart

These herding dogs are agile and athletic, with intelligence that, when put all together, creates a highly trainable pet.

Elena Lar // Shutterstock

#9. Chihuahua

- Full-grown height: 69 inches
- Full-grown weight: 36 pounds
- Traits: Charming

Chihuahuas are known apartment-friendly dogs who like to play at home and revel in their territory. They are smart, so they need not be trained for very long, and their signature petite size means they don’t demand a lot of space.

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#8. Pug

- Full-grown height: 1013 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1418 pounds
- Traits: Tempered, charming, loving

Pugs make great companions, as they are even-tempered and loving. They’re not extremely athletic, but still like long walks where they get to feed their natural curiosity.

Dorottya Mathe // Shutterstock

#7. Havanese

- Full-grown height: 8.511.5 inches
- Full-grown weight: 713 pounds
- Traits: Outgoing, intelligent

The happy Havanese don’t require much exercise, and love hanging around the house entertaining their owners. Their soft coats are left short to keep from having to deal with frequent grooming, or corded similarly to the Puli.

SubertT // Shutterstock

#6. Pomeranian

- Full-grown height: 67 inches
- Full-grown weight: 37 pounds
- Traits: Lively, bold, inquisitive

These little extroverts are definitely playful, but their love of attention means the lapdog lifestyle suits them well. Many Pomeranians are trained to be competitive show dogs.

bubutu // Shutterstock

#5. Boston terrier

- Full-grown height: 1517 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1025 pounds
- Traits: Friendly, bright

The tuxedo-wearing Boston terriers are charming and adapt to most environments—especially apartments and in-home living. They are kind-natured and sharp.

Eli S // Shutterstock

#4. Shih Tzu

- Full-grown height: 8-11 inches
- Full-grown weight: 9-16 pounds
- Traits: Outgoing, affectionate, playful, charming

Shih Tzus may be small, but their famously silky coats attract big attention. They are the consummate house pet, as they are outgoing and friendly, but love nothing more than to relax in a chair.

BIGANDT.COM // Shutterstock

#3. Cavalier King Charles spaniel

- Full-grown height: 1213 inches
- Full-grown weight: 1318 pounds
- Traits: Affectionate, gentle

The trainable, affectionate Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a favorite among U.K. families, as they are good with children and other pets. They enjoy a good walk, but need little exercise beyond that.

Oleksandra Kuznietsova // Shutterstock

#2. Bulldog

- Full-grown height: 1415 inches
- Full-grown weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
- Traits: Calm, courageous, friendly, dignified

Though bulldogs are bigger and stockier than conventional lap dogs, they aspire to be curled up with you nonetheless. They’re therefore a popular breed among those looking for an indoor pet, as they require little exercise, are low-maintenance, and carry a gentle disposition.

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#1. French bulldog

- Full-grown height: 1113 inches
- Full-grown weight: 2028 pounds (male), 1624 pounds (female)
- Traits: Playful, smart

These fun-loving dogs are not particularly athletic, so a short walk will keep them healthy and happy. Frenchies are low-maintenance and loyal. Some are stubborn during training, but eventually just want to please their owners.

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